Dr Aladin GABR unanimously re-elected as President of World Archery Africa

Only Adel RAJA had submitted a candidature in opposition to Aladin GABR’s re-election as President of World Archery Africa. At the start of elections, Mr RAJA gave a speech explaining his reasoning, withdrew his name and pledged his support for Dr GABR’s Presidency to continue.

Aladin GABR, who is also Secretary General of Egypt’s National Olympic Committee, was then unanimously re-elected for a second – and he indicated last – term.

Delegations from 13 nations were present at the continental federation’s Congress, held on 12 October. A further four countries were represented by proxy.

The Congress reviewed several of the continent’s achievements over the past years, including reviewing a video of the well-organised and inaugural African Youth Championships held in Windhoek, Namibia.

President GABR highlighted Africa’s participation figures in the archery events at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games, and that Africa will have six places at the next Olympics in Rio.

World Archery Secretary General Tom DIELEN relayed greetings from World Archery President Prof Dr Ugur ERDENER. He congratulated World Archery Africa on the progress made, particularly the participation at the Luxor African Championships – held at the same time – as the first event of its kind in the continent organised without strong external support.

He also stressed the need for a solid base, referring to the pyramids of Congress and host country Egypt, in the roots of the support. Projects to build and spread the use of self-made bows of bamboo and PVC are essential to grow the sport.

Mr William SEPHTON travelled from South Africa to explain the development and production PVC bows costing 5 USD. World Archery’s Para Committee also sent two representatives to educate African delegations on how to start para archery programmes within their own federations.

Several motions were presented for discussion, the most important concerning the addition of three further World Archery Africa Council members – of which two should be women. This motion was accepted unanimously and put into effect immediately.

As well as Dr Aladin GABR’s re-election to the Presidency, Mr Franck BOCKMUHL (NAM) was made First Vice President and Vice President South, Mr Al-Yousouf BAYJOU (MRI) Vice President East, Mr Charlemagne HOUSSOU (BEN) Vice President West and Mr Rabah BOUZIN (ALG) Vice President North.

Mr Selwyn MISKOVITZ (RSA), Mr Ahmed AMIRY (SUD), Mrs Tabassum ANWAR (KEN), Mr Samir COUCHENE (TUN) and Mrs Meriam EL MAHIRI (MAR) join them as Council members.

The Congress also appointed Mr Aziz el MEKKI EL WAZANI (MAR) Honorary President.

Visit the World Archery Africa website for more information.